The American journal of the medical sciences
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The significance of effective renal perfusion is relatively underemphasized in the current literature. From a renal standpoint, besides optimizing cardiac output, renal perfusion should be maximized as well. ⋯ Therefore, to optimize nephron-protective therapies, nephrologists and intensive care physicians should be familiar with the concept of net renal perfusion pressure. This review appraises the background literature on renal perfusion pressure, including the initial animal data and historical human studies up to the most current developments in the field, exploring potential avenues to assess and improve renal blood supply.